DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

No one has the right to harm you. There is help…you are not alone, even though it often feels exactly like you are alone...and scared.

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior characterized by the domination and control of one person over another, usually an intimate partner, through physical, psychological, emotional, verbal, sexual, and / or economic abuse.

Many do not realize they are being abused. They may feel helpless, ashamed, or too scared of their abuser to get help. The first step is recognizing the signs and signals of abuse.

Has your spouse, partner, or relative done any of these things:

physically injured you in any way?

threatened to hurt you, him/herself, your children, or others?

controlled where you go or who you can see?

touched or threatened to touch you sexually in a way you didn’t like or allow?

repeatedly humiliated you or put you down?

harmed or threatened to harm your pet?

destroyed property in a way that made you fear for your safety or the safety of others?

held you somewhere against your will?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may be in a domestic violence situation. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.